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Kate Biberdorf
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It's Elemental: The Hidden Chemistry in Everything Kindle Edition

by Kate Biberdorf (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 115 ratings
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In this fresh and engaging guide to chemistry, Dr. Kate Biberdorf, aka "Kate the Chemist," reveals the fascinating science we experience every day 

Have you ever wondered what makes dough rise? Or how your morning coffee gives you that energy boost? Or why your shampoo is making your hair look greasy? The answer is chemistry. From the moment we wake up until the time we go to sleep (and even while we sleep), chemistry is at work—and it doesn't take a PhD in science to understand it. 

Dr. Biberdorf has appeared on TV programs from the Today show to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, lighting the world on fire and changing the face of chemistry as we know it. In It's Elemental, she demystifies the fundamental principles of the science that may have eluded you in high school and shows how chemistry comes alive in everything we do. With wry wit and infectious enthusiasm, this entertaining guide will ignite your passion for science and change the way you experience the world.
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  1. Print length
    291 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Park Row
  5. Publication date
    July 13, 2021
  6. File size
    1840 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
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  9. Enhanced typesetting
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From the Publisher

“In the pages of this essential book you’ll discover the great wonder of chemistry…" —Bill Nye

A letter from the author

What do you think of when I say the word “chemistry”? Do you picture a lab coat, goggles and maybe even a bowtie? I mean, sure, all three of those items contain atoms and molecules, but what about the more fascinating parts of the science? Like the electrons in your cell phone or the cohesive properties of your primer? Or the fact that the molecules in your afternoon snack give you just enough energy to make it through the end of your shift?

In It’s Elemental, I take you through my favorite examples of chemistry. Starting with an early-morning workout and ending with a super late date night, I’ll show you the simple side of science using everyday activities like beer-brewing and pie-baking. And, in the end, I promise that you will finally understand the difference between an atom and a molecule, and “get” what really happens when you put on sunscreen at the beach.

This book is the result of my love for the sciences. Fair warning: after reading it, you might start to feel that “chemistry,” too.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In It's Elemental you’ll discover a great many of Kate Biberdorf's favorite molecules, and experience remarkable reactions… because, whether it’s a cake, a soap, or a sunset, Dr. Biberdorf has fun with every molecule she meets. She’s a proud nerd, and when you jump in the fire with her, you’ll have good chemistry." —Bill Nye

“Kudos to Kate Biberdorf for reminding us how fun it is to explore life’s mysteries, even here on planet earth.” —Peggy A. Whitson, Ph.D., Astronaut, Former Commander of the International Space Station and Chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office

About the Author

Dr. Kate Biberdorf is a scientist and a chemistry professor at The University of Texas. She has a PhD in inorganic chemistry and has published her work in Catalysis, Science, and Technology. Her 6-book series for kids with Penguin breaks down the image of the stereotypical scientist, while reaching those who may be intimidated by science. She has appeared on The Today Show, Wendy Williams Show, and Late Night with Stephen Colbert. She lives in Austin TX with her family.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B088PXNPLZ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Park Row; Original edition (July 13, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 13, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1840 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 291 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 115 ratings

About the author

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Kate Biberdorf

Kate Biberdorf

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Dr. Kate Biberdorf is breaking stereotypes and blowing stuff up—all in a good pair of heels. Through her theatrical and hands-on approach to teaching, Dr. Biberdorf is breaking down the image of the stereotypical scientist, while reaching students that might otherwise be intimidated by science. Students’ emotional responses, rather than rote memorization of facts, is key to Biberdorf ’s dynamic approach to her program, as well as science in general. Her exciting and engaging program leaves audiences with a positive, memorable impression of science – all while diminishing the stigma around women in science.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
115 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

CHS
5.0 out of 5 stars Sensationally Wonderful Book!
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2022
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This is a fantastically great book. I have read it twice and may read it a third time. I prefer nonfiction books by people who write about what they ACTUALLY DO. Prof Biberdorf, drawing opn her extensive classroom experience, takes this to a new level. In the first part of the book, in plain, clear English, she lays out everything about basic chemistry that didn't dent my skull back in my student days. THEN, she switches over to a second part addressing how she lives her life every day and tells me, again in plain, clear English, how it involves the chemistry so clearly set out by her in the first part of this fabulous book. It's just wonderful and soooooooooooooo rewarding!!!
6 people found this helpful
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Teresa
5.0 out of 5 stars I wish this existed when I was in high school
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2023
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I absolutely loved this book. Incredibly interesting and easy to read with great everyday examples.
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James T.
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun read!
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2023
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I’ve seen her on several shows. Always entertaining and informative. If you can, watch her stint on Colbert. It’s on YouTube.
One person found this helpful
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Rene Gomez
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read...
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2023
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Arrived on time and item as described...
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EB
3.0 out of 5 stars Really annoyed by the comparisons
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2021
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I understand this is for beginners, and I'm one of them, but I think science can be explained better than that. It all started with comparing atoms electrons outer shells with persons clothing... Next, atom bonds with attraction of people in a cafe. Then I stopped reading.
12 people found this helpful
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Mike Garcia
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read for those interested in chemistry but struggle to understand!
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2022
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This book goes through the basics of chemistry in a very understandable way, using modern references for comparison. It then dives deeper into fun facts and the application of chemical processes in every day life. I would definitely recommend!
3 people found this helpful
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Pete Vorsilak
5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of insights based on chemistry!
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2021
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Kate explains why things are the way they are from breakfast to midnight and along the way she offers lots of tips on what to do for better results or not to do to avoid problems. First half of the book is chemistry review and the second half is a review of daily things.
3 people found this helpful
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A
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Audiobook For Adults Who Want to Know A Little Something About Chemistry
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2022
If you are an adult who never took chemistry (or took it and forgot most of it) then listening to this audiobook is a great way to get a taste of what you've been missing. Dr. Biberdorf teaches chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin and is a former aerobics instructor (or maybe it was yoga). Although that background might seem somewhat contradictory, the juxtaposition works perfectly for her. She has a great passion for chemistry, which she conveys with energy and humor. The book maps a person's day from sunrise and breakfast through late-night cocktails and intimacy and explains the role chemistry plays in each part of the day. The author explains the chemistry behind such topics as laundry detergent, kitchen and bathroom cleaners (don't mix them together), sunscreen lotion (spf 30 is all you need), bathing suits, portable beach coolers, wine and beer making, aphrodisiacs (wine: yes, oysters: no), hangovers, and a ton of other areas that most people (myself included) deal with every day without much thought. Spoiler alert: everything we see and do has a chemistry angle to it. I found it all to be quite fascinating, and it has made me think about the world around me in a different way. I'm thankful for that. Some readers had negative comments about the dense nature of the subject matter. That much is true, although greatly ameliorated, I suspect, by listening rather than reading. It would have been difficult to write a book about chemistry without background on electrons, neutrons, protons, and isotopes, and there are a few (perhaps a few too many) chemical formulae in the book, but anyone who uses the phrases covalent bonds and "knockin' boots" in the same work is okay with me. Science is sexy. Who knew? I loved it!
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

works
2.0 out of 5 stars Good basic chemistry but several factual errors
Reviewed in Canada on January 10, 2024
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This book has good explanations of basic chemistry topics but has several errors, especially when talking about biology, that make it frustrating to read.

The author makes several factually incorrect statements about biological roles that even a highschool biology student should know not to make.

The author is clearly a competent chemist and chemistry teacher but seems to have a below highschool level of biological knowledge which makes this book tough to recommend.
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